Now Grandma Cooks Pilaf in a Jar! Faster and More Convenient! Incredibly Delicious
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key without sacrificing flavor. And what better way to achieve this than with grandma’s traditional pilaf, reinvented for modern times? Introducing Grandma’s Pilaf in a Jar! This recipe combines the timeless taste of pilaf with the ease of cooking in jars, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Let’s dive into this innovative and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 onions, cut into rings
- 500 grams of rice
- 3 red peppers, cut into rings
- 12 chicken thighs
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- 300 ml chicken broth
- 500 ml vegetable broth
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Begin by layering the ingredients in clean, sterilized jars. Start with a layer of onion rings at the bottom of each jar.
- Add a layer of rice, followed by red pepper rings.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place 4 thighs in each jar.
- Pour 100 ml of chicken broth and 166 ml of vegetable broth into each jar.
- Cover the jars with aluminum foil and place them in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- While the pilaf is baking, prepare the salad. Chop the tomato, red onion, and dill, and mix them together in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, salt, sugar, ground mustard, and pepper to make the dressing. Pour over the salad and toss to coat.
- Once the pilaf is done baking, serve hot with the prepared salad on the side.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Make sure to use jars that are oven-safe to avoid any accidents.
- Feel free to customize the pilaf with your favorite vegetables or protein. You can add carrots, peas, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the pilaf.
- Experiment with different types of rice for varying textures and flavors.
- If you prefer a spicier pilaf, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- To make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb, simply substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or broccoli rice.
- Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as cauliflower rice cooks faster than traditional rice.
- You can also reduce the amount of onion and peppers to lower the carb count further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken thighs? A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or tenders if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This pilaf in a jar is perfect for meal prep. Simply assemble the jars, cover them with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Then, just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze any leftovers for later. Just make sure to let the pilaf cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe? A: Definitely! Simply omit the chicken thighs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for added flavor and texture.
Grandma’s Pilaf in a Jar is a game-changer in the kitchen. It combines the nostalgia of grandma’s cooking with the convenience of modern-day meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade pilaf, reinvented for the 21st century!
